So we have to get a new car. Prius vs. Outback vs. CX-5
- Thread starter sunvalleylaw
- Start date
sunvalleylaw
Yep.
that would be cool. But . . first, we need a wagon version. Then there are a couple other problems. The X model sport ute looks really cool, having watched Elon's vid, but has a couple problems. First, not in my price range. Second, their proprietary rack system does not seem to accept common racks such as Thule or Yakima, and hangs bikes rather than carries them in trays as modernly is preferred by cyclists. Easily fixed if they make their rack hitch not proprietary and standard 2 inch. Third, no spare, and you are supposed to call roadside assistance, or buy some repair kit. I live in Idaho. There are long distances between civilization. Self reliance needs to come with the car. Last, for all models, Idaho is a backward market that will not have enough filling stations for years to come. In 5-10 years it will be a good option. Maybe by then they can have a wagon with a little clearance and less wide tires (not good in snow), such as the Subaru Outback type of wagon, that is more affordable than the X model, and carries more than the 3. Good launch though, and looking forward to their success, and the entry into the market by others. Reasonable affordability is key. To truly impact emissions, we need the soccer moms and dads driving these things, with room to throw all the kids and crap in the back. It is one reason why I think the eco vehicles need to focus on the minivan/small wagon/cross-over market.
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speakerjones
my hat is all
My vote would be for the Outback. I previously owned a 2002, and test drove a new one. The newest ones are supposed to be quite fuel efficient, though probably not as compared to a Prius. The Outback seems like more versatile vehicle all around. While I like Mazda's styling, and was considering a CX-7 for awhile, a friend of mine (a Mazda enthusiast) gave a big thumbs down on the CX-5. I can't remember his reasons.
sunvalleylaw
Yep.
After looking around and driving, she is right now interested most in the Subaru Crosstek, which is pretty outback like. Followed by the Mazda.
tiger roach
Urban Bovine Knievel
I've been curious about those. Does the Crosstek have more cargo area than the Outback or Forester?
sunvalleylaw
Yep.
No, it is smaller. My wife has done the test driving. Not absolutely sure why she likes that car over another outback. I think price, and a little better fuel economy.
sunvalleylaw
Yep.
Having looked a little more, that is my impression. My wife came to that conclusion as well, and now is deciding between another Outback, and the Mazda or similar. She is heading up the shopping as it was her car.
sunvalleylaw
Yep.
The specs say 5.5 feet. So yes, getting bigger. For bikes/racks, we are intending to do a Thule tray style hitch rack, as my wife doesn't want to deal with rooftop. We had an older softride hitch rack for the old Outback.
Coralkong
Alien
My only gripe with Suburu is the type of engines they come with...
I know people say you're supposed to "gun" it during everyday driving, but really, I test drove a couple of brand new ones a few years ago. At idle, they sounded like they had marbles in the engine.
I gunned it a couple of times during the test drive, and it revved pretty high, but that's about all that happened. The ones I drove all had terrible pickup and the torque was awful. Gas mileage wasn't anything to write home about, either.
For that reason alone, I'd probably go with the Mazda.
To each their own, though.
I know people say you're supposed to "gun" it during everyday driving, but really, I test drove a couple of brand new ones a few years ago. At idle, they sounded like they had marbles in the engine.
I gunned it a couple of times during the test drive, and it revved pretty high, but that's about all that happened. The ones I drove all had terrible pickup and the torque was awful. Gas mileage wasn't anything to write home about, either.
For that reason alone, I'd probably go with the Mazda.
To each their own, though.
Kerouac
weird musical dildo
I was looking around for something with a V6 at an reasonable price and it was hard to find. I'm also bummed that I'm giving up a manual, because Ash can't drive one.
The one thing my little Scion doesn't have is too much get-up-and-go. I'd like a bit more pep in my step.
mikesr1963
Gonna walk my dog, you?
Coralkong
Alien
Yeah, everybody and their mother drives them up here in NH. They seem to do very well in a moderate snow. Any more than that, and you probably shouldn't be out there anyway. I see a ton of rusted out ones, still on the road. I think they end up getting junked not that they don't run, but that the fenders and bumpers rust off of them and they won't pass inspection or become unsafe.
I've always liked Mazdas, but I can see the appeal of a Subaru.
Kerouac
weird musical dildo
My mum's new Mazda is freaking GREAT. I just want something a bit bigger.
Prages
User Error
That sounds like the 1996 Subaru Outback I owned for a few months.
It was a 4 cyl, 5 speed manual. Had plenty of torque, and did great in moderate snow.
Pieces fell off everytime you hit a pot hole, though. It was a huge rust bucket.
Of course, I paid $1800 for it, drove it for 6 months, and got $2200 trade in for it.
I'd get another one in a heartbeat.